PUPILS from a Darlington school found they had a talent for bowls when they tried it during the summer holidays.

The Hundens Green Bowling Association teamed up with Darlington Borough Council to offer children from Eastbourne Comprehensive School the chance to learn the game.

There were eight sessions arranged over four weeks, culminating in a round-robin competition.

The four young bowlers, all aged 14, who successfully completed the course received prizes for their achievement.

Terry Burnside, Stephen Park, Jimmy Parker and Michael Simpson were presented with the awards by the Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Dorothy Long, at the town hall.

Michael won the Champion of Champions competition after winning the two-wood and four-wood matches. Terry took the target bowls award.

Ivor Shirley, chairman of the Hundens Green Bowling Association, said: "There was a lot of quality, and they are already bowling indoors.

"Hopefully they will take part in that when the indoor season starts."

He said: "This was quite a useful exercise and a learning process for us.

"It is the first time we have done it, and probably next year we will do it slightly differently and expand on it."